Tenebroides crassicornis
This record describes Tenebroides crassicornis (species). Recorded family: Trogossitidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
California, one specimen; Dr. Le Conte. Distinct from [ californica ] by its smaller size, more depressed form, and less deeply punctured head and thorax. Its color is light rufous, probably immature. The antennae in this species are much shorter, and the joints much more globose, than in any other of this group. The eighth joint is not as much smaller as in all the other American [ Tenebroides ], exhibiting thus a relationship with Section A.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Cleroidea
- Family
- Trogossitidae
- Subfamily
- Trogossitinae
- Genus
- Tenebroides
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
w. NA (BC-Baja to ID-NM) - Map
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Tenebroides crassicornis (Horn 1862)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Tenebroides crassicornis. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Tenebroides crassicornis (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Will Chatfield-Taylor; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Tenebroides crassicornis
What is Tenebroides crassicornis?
Tenebroides crassicornis is a species in the family Trogossitidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Tenebroides crassicornis?
4.4-10.5 mm
How do you identify Tenebroides crassicornis?
California, one specimen; Dr. Le Conte. Distinct from [ californica ] by its smaller size, more depressed form, and less deeply punctured head and thorax. Its color is light rufous, probably immature. The antennae in this species are much shorter, and the joints much more globose, than in any other of this group. The eighth joint is not as much smaller as in all the other American [ Tenebroides ], exhibiting thus a relationship with Section A.
Where is Tenebroides crassicornis found?
Range: w. NA (BC-Baja to ID-NM) - Map